Wilmington International Airport Expands Infrastructure to Support Future Growth Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is advancing a series of capital projects aimed at accommodating projected growth and enhancing its infrastructure. The airport’s director, Jeff Bourk, outlined plans during a joint meeting with the New Hanover County Airport Authority and Board of Commissioners, emphasizing the need for investment to sustain expansion. The proposed projects, totaling over $490 million in investment, include $243 million in capital projects directly tied to the airport’s development. The airport has seen significant growth since 2019, with enplanements—passengers boarding aircraft—rising from approximately 500,000 annually to over 907,000 in 2025, representing a 67% increase. Bourk noted that passenger forecasts predict ILM will handle between 1.1 million and 1.5 million enplanements by 2045. To support this growth, the airport is investing in infrastructure upgrades, including terminal expansions, baggage facilities, and airfield improvements. Key projects include the second phase of a $134 million initiative, which involves reconfiguring roads around the airport, constructing the first parking garage, and updating the terminal entrance and curbfront. The parking garage is expected to open in October 2026, while the curbfront will be completed by March 2027. A second parking garage, estimated to cost $50 million and completed by 2032 or 2033, is also in the design phase. This expansion could add up to 1,500 parking spaces and allow the airport to grow “two or three times what it is today,” according to Bourk. Roadway improvements are another focus, with two projects underway. The N.C.#wilmington_international_airport #jeff_bourk #new_hanover_county_airport_authority #board_of_commissioners #breeze_airways
